logo
WebPros acquires Comet Backup to boost global data protection

WebPros acquires Comet Backup to boost global data protection

Techday NZ4 days ago
WebPros has acquired Christchurch-based data backup and storage solutions provider Comet Backup, expanding its global portfolio of web hosting and automation tools.
WebPros, whose suite of products includes cPanel, Plesk, and WHMCS, operates in 227 countries and supports more than 60 million domains. The acquisition enables the company to broaden its data protection offerings to businesses worldwide.
Company history
Comet Backup was established in Christchurch nearly a decade ago. Since its founding, the company has provided data backup software focused on solutions for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT teams. Its technology enables organisations to safeguard critical data, supporting everything from daily data backups to disaster recovery scenarios.
In recent years, the importance of secure and reliable data protection has grown, with increasing risks related to cyber threats and data loss affecting businesses globally. The acquisition allows WebPros to strengthen its capacity to meet these security demands, aiming to serve an expanded, international customer base. "We are thrilled to welcome Comet Backup into the WebPros family. This is an important extension of our web enablement ecosystem, helping businesses address their backup and storage needs with greater efficiency and reliability," said Christian Koch, CEO of WebPros.
Josh Flores, General Manager of Comet Backup, commented on the alignment between the two companies, saying, "It was clear to us from the outset that WebPros' leading global web enablement ecosystem is the perfect permanent home to take our business to the next level. The acquisition process itself gave both my team and me full confidence that the WebPros group is an optimal cultural fit for us. Our customers can expect the same great service, now with enhanced support and innovative new features as we continue to invest in the product."
Reaction from the sector
The deal has been welcomed by New Zealand's technology community. Liz Foxwell-Canning, CEO of Canterbury Tech, said, "Comet Backup's success is a brilliant example of the kind of world-class talent and innovation we have right here in Ōtautahi Christchurch. It's proof that you don't need to be in Silicon Valley to build and scale globally competitive software – South Island smarts can and do go the distance."
Josh Flores also reflected on the company's progress, noting, "Our growth has been driven by a focus on delivering real value to our customers."
Peter Thomas, the founder of Comet Backup, stated, "Joining WebPros will allow us to help even more companies protect their data and continue innovating on a global scale."
Future direction
Comet Backup will now be integrated into the broader WebPros platform, with the aim of supporting further growth and product development. The company will continue to focus on secure, scalable backup and storage for clients, protecting business data and supporting continuity in a digital world.
The move is expected to provide Comet Backup with access to additional resources and networks, contributing to the reach and reliability of its data protection solutions within the global marketplace.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Lotto wars: Global gambling syndicate blocked from buying Powerball tickets
Lotto wars: Global gambling syndicate blocked from buying Powerball tickets

NZ Herald

time2 hours ago

  • NZ Herald

Lotto wars: Global gambling syndicate blocked from buying Powerball tickets

He said overseas sites 'on-sell lottery tickets from a range of jurisdictions' and offer copycat versions of national lotteries. 'It's generally difficult to detect the acquisition of physical tickets from Lotto NZ for resale internationally because the initial purchases can be made anonymously in store' Hine said. Lotto NZ would not be drawn on how it detected the attempted ticket purchases by the gambling syndicate, or how it then blocked the sales. Lotto fever gripped New Zealand ahead of last year's $50 million Must Be Won draw. Photo / Sylvie Whinray Purchasing tickets here and reselling them on overseas websites, is 'in contravention of our rules' he said. 'They may be sold without responsible gambling controls in place, marketed using dated and inaccurate information, and could cause confusion for purchasers through the misuse of Lotto NZ's brand imagery and intellectual property.' The global online gambling market – including online casino, lottery and sports and racing markets - is estimated at $97 billion, with a study by market research company FNF Research predicting it will grow to $306b by 2030. This comes as Lotto NZ considers a facelift for Powerball, considered its flagship game. TheLotter's version of Powerball sees the same draw details and gameplay as Lotto NZ's game. Photo / Michael Bradley The Herald revealed last month that Lotto NZ bosses are keen to increase the number of balls in the Powerball draw. Lotto NZ chief innovation and product officer Ben Coney told the Herald the five-year strategy to 2029 includes 'changing the odds by adding more balls to the Powerball machine' and evolving the game. The change will require government approval and Lotto NZ is already seeking permission for what has been described as a 'matrix change' for the game. The current odds of winning Lotto Powerball are 1 in 38m. Should Lotto add one extra Powerball number, the odds would decrease to 1 in 42.2m. Lotto NZ says ticket sales are the highest they've ever been - meaning Powerball is being struck more regularly. More regular wins means fewer of the more exciting mega-jackpots - like the $50m draws that attract 'exponential' ticket sales. 'The details of exactly what we will change and what it would mean for subject to regulatory consultation and ministerial approval' Coney said. 'We continue to our government stakeholders about the potential shape of any change.' Neil Reid is a Napier-based senior reporter who covers general news, features and sport. He joined the Herald in 2014 and has 33 years of newsroom experience. Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

Simmonds ignored advice in Otago Polytech decision
Simmonds ignored advice in Otago Polytech decision

Otago Daily Times

time3 hours ago

  • Otago Daily Times

Simmonds ignored advice in Otago Polytech decision

Penny Simmonds went against early advice by allowing Southern Institute of Technology to stand alone and grouping Otago Polytechnic with a pair of North Island-based institutions, it can be revealed. Advice to the vocational education minister released under the Official Information Act showed the decision to not allow Otago Polytechnic to stand alone was made despite it being assessed as "financially viable" along with six other institutions. The advisers from a special vocational education working group gave Ms Simmonds the option of all seven viable institutions - including SIT and Otago Polytechnic standing alone - but recommended the pair be linked together as part of three regional groupings. Otago Polytechnic and SIT should also be grouped with the Open Polytechnic. Ms Simmonds went on to ignore that advice and linked Otago Polytechnic with Palmerston North-based Universal College of Learning (UCOL) and Lower Hutt-based Open Polytechnic; and approved SIT, which she was formerly the chief executive of for 20 years, standing alone. Green MP Francisco Hernandez said the situation was a mess that benefited no-one in vocational education. "Advice shows that Otago Polytech was considered 'viable', even prior to the extensive and disruptive cuts that Otago was forced to undertake thanks to the lack of support." Mr Hernandez said Ms Simmonds must release the advice proactively "so we can examine the basis for the decision making". Otago Polytechnic executive director Dr Megan Pōtiki saw the advisory group's recommendations this week. "This only adds to our confusion about the decision announced last Monday. "In none of the four options shortlisted by the advisory group was Otago Polytechnic listed as a 'non-viable' entity. "We are deeply concerned that Otago Polytechnic has been unfairly singled out, in a decision which appears to have favoured some organisations for reasons other than financial viability." Dr Pōtiki said she was pleased the option of merging Otago Polytechnic and SIT was not adopted. "Both organisations have long and proud histories of providing quality tertiary education in our respective regions, but we have clear differences in our programme strengths and styles of operations. "However, we are still looking forward to a close and collaborative relationship with our closest neighbour going forward." Dr Pōtiki said Otago Polytechnic should be in surplus by the end of the year. "We are again asking the minister to release the criteria she used for making these decisions, and to clearly communicate why Otago Polytechnic was singled out to be moved out of the 'viable' category and included as part of a federation." Ms Simmonds said the debt and cash reserves of both SIT and Otago Polytechnic when they went into Te Pūkenga contributed to the decision. Otago Polytechnic had $16.1 million debt and $1.3 million in cash reserves, SIT had no debt and $40.1 million in cash reserves, of which $15.6 million were ring-fenced. "The paper you are referring to is an early piece of advice and there were several updates made. Otago Polytechnic is one of the 10 institutions being re-established and will stand alone within the new federation of polytechnics. "It was not grouped with SIT or the Open Polytechnic in a combined entity because the final decision adopted the proposed federation model rather than other options proposed during consultation."

Infratil and Ebos help drive NZ stocks higher
Infratil and Ebos help drive NZ stocks higher

NZ Herald

time13 hours ago

  • NZ Herald

Infratil and Ebos help drive NZ stocks higher

Late in the New Zealand trading day, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was down 43.10 points at 8,666.30. The index has lost 1.04% for the last five days, but sits just 1.25% below its 52-week high. The main influences on the local S&P/NZX50 index were infrastructure investor Infratil, up 26c or 2.3% at $11.45, and medical supplies distributor Ebos, up 41c at $41.17. On the downside, utilities software provider Gentrack dropped by 61c or 5.5% to $10.52 after announcing it had been informed by an Australian customer it was no longer in the frame for replacing the customer's current platform. 'Whilst the financial impact of this does not warrant disclosure, out of caution we are providing this update to our investors,' Gentrack said. Salt Funds managing director Matt Goodson said Gentrack had lost out to its main competitor, Kraken, which is part of Britain's Octopus Energy. 'It should not have come as a shock because it was suspected by some, but the actual confirmation of it has seen the stock fall,' Goodson said. Sky Network TV fell 8c to $3.06 after spiking higher earlier in the week on news it would buy the troubled Discovery NZ for $1. Among the minor issues, takeover target Metro Performance Glass, which has a market cap of $9m, gained 0.3 of a cent to 5c. Competitor Viridian NZ's 8c per share offer for Metro Glass is before the Commerce Commission, which today issued a 'Statement of Issues' relating to the application. 'The commission has identified potential adverse competitive effects arising from a loss of competition between Viridian and Metro in glass processing, supply and installation markets where they are close competitors,' it said. Goodson said the commission 'clearly has issues' with Viridian buying Metro Glass because they are the two major players in glass processing and installation. 'I guess the question then is if Viridian is not allowed, what becomes of Metro Glass, given their debt levels,' Goodson said. Looking ahead, annual meetings on Wednesday for Ryman Healthcare and Mainfreight should give investors some clues as to how the two leading stocks are tracking in the current financial year. Later in the week, second-quarter results from Apple, Amazon and Microsoft – part of America's so-called Magnificent Seven – are due out. In the big picture, the ongoing spat between US President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell continues to be a concern for the financial markets as investors worry about the US central bank's independence. Jamie Gray is an Auckland-based journalist, covering the financial markets, the primary sector and energy. He joined the Herald in 2011.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store